Project managers and program directors use monthly reports to inform supervisors of the status or progress of one or more projects. The reports help management to track accountability and ensure that initiatives are productive. Monthly reports are based on one calendar month and are usually turned in within a week after the month has ended. The report should be kept to one to two pages of easily-digestible information -- but attach additional supporting documents if needed.

Step 1

Place the identifiable information of the project at the top of the page. This may comprise the name of the project, the department of the organization where the project is based and the start and expected end dates. The goal of the project should also be listed in this section. An example of a project goal may be to increase the company's presence in the media by 50 percent or to improve efficiency and quality of service in the call center. Additionally, include your name, the date the report is being written and the month that the report will discuss.

Step 2

List the names of those who are on the project team along with their specific roles. Break down the hours spent for the month by each team member and list it next to his name. If applicable, separate this number into billable and non-billable hours for each employee.

Write a brief introduction explaining the scope of the project. Your supervisor may be receiving monthly reports from numerous project managers; the introduction can be a helpful reminder and allow her to more easily process the information.

Step 4

Discuss any accomplishments or progress that was made over the course of the month. Compare the progress to the original schedule that was created at the beginning of the project. Note whether the project team is reaching the preset deadlines. If the team is finding that its members are not able to meet the time expectations, explain why and provide recommendations to keep the timeline moving forward.

Step 5

Outline the tasks that the team performed for the month. You may do this individually, per team member or as a group, depending on the preference of your supervisor. Limit the list to the major and important tasks; too many details can extend the length of the monthly report and take up your manager's time. Examples of major tasks are that a team member sent a press release to the top 10 American financial publications or that customer service surveys were reviewed and showed that 75 percent of customers who filled out a survey were dissatisfied with the level of support they received.

Step 6

Review any challenges that the team faced throughout the month. For example, list whether any equipment failed, the research you needed was unavailable or that several of your team members were out with the flu. Provide solutions and recommendations where you are able.

Step 7

Add any documentation that may be necessary to support the information in your report. This may include statistical data, budget information or a summary of research.

About the Author

Based in San Francisco, Beth Rifkin has been writing health- and fitness-related articles since 2005. Her bylines include "Tennis Life," "Ms. Fitness," "Triathlon Magazine," "Inside Tennis," "American Fitness" and others. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University.

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